January 15, 2020 Your source for All Livonia news. All the time. All ways positive.
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Now is the time: Let's put electric charging stations at municipal and school district properties
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Lunch with attorney Tim Klisz at Olga's. That is where the idea started. We started sharing Tesla stories. Seems he recently had delivery of his Tesla. Son Paul of Denver fame got his last year. One part of the back and forth conversation dealt with where to charge an electric vehicle.
It was when Tim said that Westland had charging stations at municipal buildings and wondered "when Livonia would put them in." That was all it took. I responded that "now is the time."
Now is the time. The time has come for Livonia to install electric charging stations at the Bennett Civic Center Library, the Kirksey Recreation Center, Greenmead Historic Village, Livonia City Hall, Board of Education offices.
As electric vehicles continue to grow in popularity, demand for charging in public spaces is soaring. By installing charging stations in Livonia not only do we make it easy for our hometown residents and visitors to charge, but we will also provide a visible demonstration of our commitment to the environment.
Studies show the average Electric Vehicle driver's annual income is twice the national average. Providing stations will entice them to not only visit our community, but to stay a while.
Livonia can add the charging stations and take advantage of incentives offered by DTE, which could possibly add this valuable service for little to no cost.
It is the understanding of this typewriter that state agencies, federal agencies and utilities offer a variety of rebates, incentives and grants that make electric charging even more affordable.
EV Connect Partners with DTE Energy to Fund EV Charging Infrastructure for Michigan
To build an accessible and scalable electric vehicle (EV) charging experience for the residents, businesses, public agencies, and school districts of southeastern Michigan, EV Connect has announced it is a qualified EV charging infrastructure provider under the 'Charging Forward' program from DTE. As part of the program, EV Connect will empower Michigan residents to realize the full benefits of EVs by producing business opportunities and jobs for charging network operators, improving the EV ownership experience for EV drivers, and efficiently integrating EV charging loads with the DTE Electric distribution system.
 DTE's Charging Forward program sets aside $10 million to build out approximately 1,000 charge ports around the state of Michigan. The program will also assist transit agencies, school districts and other fleet operators in the transition to electric vehicles. Beyond being a vendor, EV Connect will provide technical expertise surrounding EV network management and fleet deployment for participants of the Charging Forward program. EV Connect customers benefit from the company's extensive experience as a fully qualified partner and supplier for utility-driven EV infrastructure programs around the country.
"We're thankful for the support of the Michigan Public Service Commission as well as auto industry partners and environmental advocacy groups, all of whom share our goal of expanding EV use in Michigan," said Camilo Serna, DTE's  vice president of Corporate Strategy. "Customer surveys tell us that more people are likely to use EVs if they can easily obtain chargers and feel confident that they will find locations to charge along their routes. Charging Forward will provide the infrastructure to make drivers feel more secure by removing both these obstacles."
EV Connect provides the industry's largest open-standards-based EV charging platform for managing networks of EV charging stations, their interaction with utilities, and the improvement of the driver experience. EV Connect offers its charge station network and site-owner customers the option to choose from a large selection of charge stations through the company's industry-first charge station certification program and by offering network flexibility. EV drivers enjoy real-time access to charge station status through the EV Connect driver app, and utilities can manage demand response to ensure maximum control over EV charging loads.
"Charging Forward will continue to accelerate DTE's engagement in the EV market to further understand EV drivers, EV loads and their relationship to overall system load, and the associated impacts on the distribution system," said Jordan Ramer, CEO of EV Connect. "EV Connect is building a centralized infrastructure for a future in which everyone from EV drivers to utilities can maximize the benefits and opportunities presented by the large-scale electrification of transportation. We are excited to be part of the DTE program and to provide charging infrastructure for electrified fleets, school and public transit, and EV drivers in Michigan."
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| The question is on the table: How will you vote on the Detroit Institute of Arts Ballot Proposal? |
The
Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA) will seek another tri-county millage on the 2020 Presidential Primary ballot.
Voters in Oakland, Macomb, and Wayne counties passed a 10-year millage in 2012, which added around $23 million a year in funding to the museum. At the time, the DIA said it would not seek a renewal, but instead set up an endowment that could fund 60 percent of its $38 million annual operating budget.
The current 0.2-mill, 10-year property tax won't lapse until 2022, but the museum has decided to act during a presidential primary, rather than wait for an off-year ballot when its prospects might be dimmer.
The DIA says the new millage will allow the museum to continue to offer many of its services, educational opportunities, and admissions free of charge.
The endowment promised in 2012 has reached $230 million, however in 2014 it had to raise $100 million to prevent DIA artworks being sold during Detroit's bankruptcy.
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Tax tips from Cole, Newton, Duran: Four Common Tax Errors That Can Be Costly for Small Businesses
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Proud sponsor of the Detroit Red Wings v
Livonia All Stars on May 17, 3:00
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A small business owner often wears many different hats. They might have to wear their boss hat one day, and the employee hat the next. When tax season comes around, it might be their tax hat.
They may think of
doing their taxes
as just another item to quickly cross off their to-do list. However, this approach could leave taxpayers open to mistakes when filing and paying taxes.
Accidentally failing to comply with tax laws, violating tax codes, or filling out forms incorrectly can leave taxpayers and their businesses open to possible penalties. The IRS encourages small businesses to explore using a reputable
tax preparer
- including certified public accountants,
Enrolled Agents
or other knowledgeable tax professionals - to help with their tax situation. Filing electronically can also help avoid common errors.
Being aware of common mistakes can also help tame the stress of tax time. Here are a few mistakes small business owners should avoid:
Underpaying estimated taxes
Business owners should generally make
estimated tax
payments if they expect to owe tax of $1,000 or more when their return is filed. If they don't pay enough tax through withholding and estimated tax payments, they may be charged a penalty.
Depositing employment taxes
Business owners with employees are expected to deposit taxes they withhold, plus the employer's share of those taxes, through electronic fund transfers. If those taxes are not deposited correctly and on time, the business owner may be charged a penalty.
Filing late
Just like individual returns, business tax returns must be filed in a timely manner. To avoid late filing penalties, taxpayers should be aware of all tax requirements for their type of business the filing deadlines.
Not separating business and personal expenses
It can be tempting to use one credit card for all expenses especially if the business is a sole proprietorship. Doing so can make it very hard to tell legitimate business expenses from personal ones. This could cause errors when claiming deductions and become a problem if the taxpayer or their business is ever audited.
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Click on this image for all movie times at the Phoenix
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Musings follows our Livonia City
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Livonia City Council Meeting -
January 15, 2020
to be posted on January 17
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Musings reader survey results
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Mass Transit Survey Week of January 6
73.5% Y es
20.5% No
5.8% Undecided
Detroit Institute of Art Survey January 15 -- 21
Yes
No
Undecided
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Musings follows the 2020 elections
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Joe Biden D
Michael Bloomberg D
Cory Booker D
Pete Buttigieg D
Julian Castro D
John Delaney D
Tulsi Gabbard D
Amy Klobuchar D
Bernie Sanders D
Joe Sestak D
Tom Steyer D
Elizabeth Warren D
Marianne Williamson D
Andrew Yang D
United States Senate
Gary Peters (D-I)
John James (R)
United States House of Representatives
Haley Stevens (D-I)
Whitney Williams (R)
Eric Esshaki (R)
Michigan House of Representatives
Laurie Pohutsky (D-I)
Martha Ptashnik (R)
Wayne County Commissioner
Terry Marecki (R-I)
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Proud sponsor of the Detroit Red Wings v Livonia All-stars coming to town May 17, 3:00
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January in Livonia
Dickerson Art Gallery will be presenting recent works from the following artists at the Bennett Civic Center Library during the month of January:
Durwood Coffey, Barb Gibson,
Mark Krecic, Jon Lange, Vic Leo,
Kay Masini,
Marcia Polenberg,
Ted Ramsay, Mireille Ripley,
Gwen Roth,Tim Tonachella,
Paul Zenian, and guest artist,
Danny Rebb
January 18
CLARENCEVILLE Senior All Night Party
BOWLING FUNDRAISER @ MerriBowl
January 18 @ 11:00 - 2:00
Franklin High School
PTA DADS Chili Cook-off
January 19 @ 1:00 - 4:00
January 20 @ 2:00
Livonia Historic Society @ Greenmead's Blue House
"Shanty Boys, Peaveys, and River Hogs-
Michigan's Lumbering Days"
January 23
Senior Center Book Club: Failures of Presidents
A Project of AlphaUSA
Moderated by Chuck Dardas and the typewriter
January 25 @ 2:30 - 4:30
Elect Penny Crider State Representative
Senate Coney Island
Tickets will be issued at the door for $50
February in Livonia
February 1 @ 2:00 - 4:00 or 6:00 - 8:00
Daddy-Daughter Dance
Elk's Lodge 31117 Plymouth Road
For more information, call (734) 466-2900.
Co-sponsored by Livonia Elk's Lodge and
Livonia Parks & Recreation
February 4 @ 6:30
Livonia Garden Club
Civic Park Senior Center
Tips for preparing for a flower show
February 7, 8, 9
Friends of the Livonia Library Used Book Sale
February 11
Nonviolence: The Way to Peace/ Colleen Mills
Livonia Citizens for Peace
Livonia Senior Center
February 12
Livonia GOP Lincoln Day Dinner
February 16 @ 1:00
Cardboard Boat Races
Jack Kirksey Recreation Center
Registration begins on Monday, Jan. 6
February 22 @ 4:00
PASSPORT TO SCANDINAVIA
Livonia Symphony Orchestra
Clarenceville's Historic Louis Schmidt Auditorium
February 23 @ 4:30 - 8:30
The Ian Clemens 4th Annual Trivia Night
Hosted by The Ian Clemens Foundation
St. Mary's Cultural Center
March in Livonia
March 3 @ 6:30
Livonia Garden Club
Civic Park Senior Center
Four seasons of garden interest
March 14
33rd Annual Bowling for Braille Books
Novi Bowl Family Fun Center
March 21
@ 9:00 - 3:00
April in Livonia
April 7 @ 6:30
Livonia Garden Club
Civic Park Senior Center
Sustainable Food System
April 14
Today's Africa Through American Eyes
Dr. Peggi J. Tabor, PhD
Livonia Citizens for Peace
Livonia Senior Center
June in Livonia
June 7 @ 3:00
Livonia Civic Chorus Spring Concert
Churchill High School Performing Arts Center
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A Leap Year Party to support people with disabilities
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Click on this image above for all your ticket information
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Joshua (pictured), is one of "Seedlings' kids!" Read this nice quote sent in by his mom:
"Joshua is four-years old. He and I are both legally blind. In this picture he is reading Llama Llama Jingle Bells. If we did not have Seedlings, then I as his legally blind parent, could not read to Joshua. And we would not have a library of books that we do."
~This photo is of Joshua sitting on his mothers lap reading a braille book.~
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Getting out of the winter doldrums and having some fun.
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| A town hall with Congresswoman Haley Stevens |
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Proud sponsor of the Detroit Red Wings v Livonia All-stars coming to town May 17, 3:00.
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| Let's get ready for Seedlings Bowling. March 14. |
Let's go bowling and help out the Clarenceville All Night Party
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| Jaycees turning vision into action and you can help |
This January 16th, from 4:00 - 8:00, help support the Livonia Jaycees by visiting Mod Pizza on Middlebelt Road and enjoying some delicious artisan-style pizzas and salads.
20% of your bill will be gifted to the chapter to help support their awesome community projects this year.
Join the Livonia Jaycees at MOD pizza as they begin turning Vision into Action!
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| A mid-winter party on February 1st |
 Soup, chili, bread, pierogies, and a silent auction! Join the Livonia Democrats, Saturday, February 1st from 6:30 until 9:30, at the UAW Hall Local 182, for a great family night out!
You will eat, drink and be merry and raise funds to support the club activities.
Club members and club friends will bring their favorite soups and chilis in crockpots, as well as breads, and there will be soft drinks and adult beverages.
The charge will be $15 per person for all you can eat, though no charge for the individual who contributes a home-cooked or purchased crock of soup or chili. Locally made pierogies will also be cooking and for sale at a small additional charge. Children 12 and under are free.
There will also be a silent auction which will include a painting by Maria Marcotte, another great handmade guitar from Ken Widmer, and several baskets. And, since it's the weekend before the Iowa Caucuses, they will have a straw poll of our own! Come and join them for an evening of fun and food.
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